Balboa comes a long way for first win

Cicero A. Estrella, OF THE EXAMINER STAFF

Published 4:00 am, Friday, October 4, 1996

The Balboa High football team's season was almost canceled before it began because of player ineligibility. But a reprieve from the Academic Athletic Association gave the Buccaneers a second chance and they took full advantage of it Thursday with a 30-20 win over Mission High at Kezar Stadium.

As Balboa prepared for its preseason, the coaches were informed that about one-third of their players were academically ineligible, prompting the resignation of head coach Issiah Keiffer.

The whole season seemed in jeopardy, but an appeal spearheaded by newly promoted head coach Laita Leatutufu and principal Elaine Curry reduced the players' probation period to four weeks from the mandatory six.

The basis of the appeal was that students were under duress because of this year's reconstitution, which brought a completely new administration and faculty to Balboa.

The preseason was canceled as the players concentrated on school work. An after-school study hall was set up and players' progress reports were turned in every Friday to help them reach the necessary 2.0 grade-point average.

"We've got a great new staff and a principal who stresses academics," said Leatutufu. "They're always telling (the students) education comes first.

"All we did was practice and study hall, practice and study hall."

All the hard work paid off in the season and league opener against the Bears (0-2, 0-1 AAA).

After giving up an early 61-yard punt return touchdown to Muhammad Kellom, the Buccaneers rallied behind quarterback Dennis Williams, who threw for two touchdowns and also ran one in from 21 yards out on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter.

The 30-member Buccaneers team was nearly at full strength, missing one player because he hadn't completed his physical.&lt;